Is an Electric Car Right For Me?

When it comes to driving an electric car, you should always consider whether it’s the right option for you. There’s no point in owning an electric car if it doesn’t fulfil your driving needs. Fortunately, many drivers will find that an electric car is right for them.

 

Before you start to compare EVs, read this guide to decide whether an electric car is right for you.

 

When Would an Electric Car Be Right for Me?

Even if you love the idea of driving an electric car, there's no point if it doesn't suit your driving habits. These are the defining factor of whether an electric car is right for you. We would recommend considering an electric car if you regularly drive in any of the following situations:

• Lots of stop-start journeys

• Short journeys at low speed

• Lots of journeys in urban areas, especially those with a Low-Emissions Zone, Clean Air Zone, or Ultra-Low Emissions Zone

• You only make a few journeys a week

 

Driving in these situations makes the best use of regenerative braking. This is an EV-specific development that recaptures kinetic energy otherwise wasted under braking which then tops up the battery. This increases the range of your vehicle.

 

What are the Benefits of Electric Cars?

One way to decide if an electric car is a good move for you is to consider the benefits it will bring to your life. The most important benefits of an EV are as follows:

 

• Zero-emissions. Electric cars don’t produce any tailpipe emissions. This makes driving one very environmentally friendly.

• You don't need to pay emissions-based charges. If you drive an electric car, you don’t have to pay road tax, the London Congestion Charge or drive through any Clean Air Zones.

• Convenient charging. Rather than having to find a petrol station, you can charge your electric car at home overnight.

• Lower running costs. While insurance costs may be higher for an electric car than the equivalent ICE, you can save money on charging and other running costs.

 

When is an Electric Car Not the Right Choice?

If you regularly drive long distances or spend a lot of time on the motorway, an electric car may not be right for you just yet.

 

While the average range of an electric car has increased, the luxury models with the longest range are very expensive.

 

If you’re looking to buy a car on a tight budget and need a long-distance cruiser, you may struggle to find an electric car that suits your needs. What’s more, driving at high speeds drains the battery faster than driving in urban areas.

 

It also doesn’t allow you to use regenerative braking as there are few opportunities to lift off the accelerator on a motorway.

 

Where Can I Charge an Electric Car?

One of the leading benefits of electric cars is that you don’t need to make trips to a petrol station, if you have an electric car charger installed at home. However, this isn’t an option for everyone.

 

This doesn’t mean that you can’t own an electric car, though - there are plenty of other options.

 

You can use the public charging network, which is still cheaper than petrol or diesel. You can also charge for free at selected supermarkets and car parks, and you can also charge from lampposts and even a standard three-point plug – although we only recommend this as a last resort.

 

Other Considerations

Is an Electric Car Safe in an Accident?

Electric cars are subject to the same safety tests as ICEs. They are also built to the same design and manufacturing regulations.

 

This means they are just as safe as petrol or diesel cars. Although lithium-ion batteries don’t need a spark to ignite like a combustion engine, EVs have onboard safety systems that automatically isolate the battery in the event of a crash.

 

These systems have been directly influenced by the spate of high-profile accidents a few years ago that caused nervousness among potential EV buyers.

 

Can I Drive It Through Water?

You can drive an electric car through water, so UK drivers don’t need to worry about any wet weather issues. EVs are designed in a way that keeps the battery cells well-sealed for water-based scenarios. 

 

However, you must still be aware of the risks of fording a river or large puddle. You should never drive through a body of water if you can’t see the bottom or if the water is fast flowing.

 

If you deem the water safe, take it slowly and make sure you test your EV's brakes on the other side to dry them out.

 

If your electric car gets stuck while submerged or partially submerged, there is no electrocution risk. There hasn’t been a single case of anyone being shocked while touching a submerged or partially submerged electric or hybrid car.

 

Can I Drive an Electric Car Through a Car Wash?

Yes, it’s perfectly safe to drive an electric car through a car wash. The batteries are well-sealed, so there is no risk of damaging them this way.

 

An electric car is perfect in a range of situations. While they still have their limitations, they are a viable, eco-friendly option for many UK drivers, especially those who regularly drive in and around large towns and cities. You may be surprised at how much money you can save by switching to an electric car in 2024.

 

Read More

How Much Does It Cost to Run an Electric Car? (Vs an ICE)

If you’ve decided that an electric car is right for you, take your next step towards owning one by reading this article all about the running costs of an electric car.

 

How Much Does an Electric Car Cost?

Read this article to take the next step towards buying an electric car. Learn more about how much electric cars cost in 2022 as well as the reasons why the average price is so expensive.

 

Why Would I Buy an Electric Car Over a Hybrid or Petrol/Diesel?

While an electric car might be right for you, you might still be a bit skeptical about making such a radical change. Find out more about the benefits of switching to an EV, when compared to the disadvantages of a hybrid or petrol/diesel, in this article.